Rio Grande Celebrates 139th Commencement

RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College celebrated its 139th Commencement with friends and family Saturday afternoon on the Green.

The beautiful outdoor ceremony honored the 384 graduates of the Class of 2015. A total 398 degrees were conferred – 240 Associate’s, 133 Bachelor’s and 25 Master’s – with 13 students earning multiple degrees.

But one member of the graduating class stood out, as Student Senate President Brittany Piccone became the first Rio student to speak at commencement. The Bachelor of Science in Education recipient expressed her gratitude for the honor and challenged each of her fellow graduates to follow their heart.

“I encourage you all … as you begin job searching or continuing education, or any other decision you have to make, pick the path that will truly make you happy,” Piccone said. “You may not be the richest person in the world, but you will love what you do and that will make all the difference. I congratulate everyone today on your achievement; it is no small feat to graduate from college. I wish you all the best of luck and hope you remember your experience at Rio Grande as you move forward.”

Piccone praised the Rio faculty and staff for the experiences gained, both within and out of the classroom. She said Rio’s “small family setting” allowed each graduate “to develop lifelong relationships” that they may not have gain had they chosen to attend a larger school.

Rio President Michelle R. Johnston, Ph.D., echoed similar sentiments during her commencement address. President Johnston thanked the “throngs of people who have helped make this day memorable and special.”

The graduates responded with applause for Grand Marshal Ray Matura, Ph.D., Faculty Marshals Donna Martin and Earl Thomas, Student Marshals Halley Alberts and Morgan Daniels, student Ushers, the Symphonic Band under the direction of Gary Stewart, the Grande Chorale under the direction of Sarin Williams, and Commencement Committee Chairs Annette Ward and Lori Taylor.

President Johnston also thanked the graduates for their contributions.

“As I’ve had the privilege to see our students perform on the stage, on the field, on the court, listened to your research and class presentations, visited your campus organization meetings, shared a meal together in the cafeteria … I have to pinch myself,” she said. “How lucky are we, in higher education, to be touched by, to be inspired by, to learn from students!”

President Johnston, however, cautioned the graduates, that while commencement is celebrating their individual accomplishments, the day is “not all about you.” She reminded them to think about the family and friends, faculty and staff, coaches and classmates who made sacrifices and helped along the way.

“Graduates, you are our mark – the mark of Rio – in this world. I have no doubt that you will make waves, you will impact people’s lives, you will make a difference,” President Johnston said. “I also have no doubt that those things don’t happen alone. Keep your Rio bonds, grow your Rio bonds, and always know that you are part of legacy, a heritage, a powerful force to which you are always connected.”

Commencement also featured conferment of an honorary Doctorate in Public Service to outgoing University of Rio Grande Board of Trustees Chair Jack Finch. A 1974 Rio Grande graduate, Finch has served on the URG Board since 1999, been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame and honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional circle-on-the Green, where graduates circle together and sing the Alma Mater.